Shillong, Aug 7: Defending champions NorthEast United will face current Group E leaders Shillong Lajong in high-voltage match of the 134th Durand Cup at the JN Stadium here on Friday. Kick-off will be at 7PM.
Lajong will look to ride their winning momentum into a defining showdown against NorthEast United, in what promises to be a fiercely contested fixture with Group E leadership and a knockout place on the line.
Shillong Lajong have registered back-to-back wins with a commanding 6-0 win over Malaysian Armed Forces, followed by a 3-1 victory in the Shillong Derby against Rangdajied United.
NEUFC have played just once so far and comfortably defeated the Malaysian team, though not quite so one-sidedly as Lajong did.
The Reds will be hoping to avenge their 3-0 loss to the Highlanders in last year’s Durand Cup semifinal, which put an end to Lajong’s wonderful run while also being the prelude to NorthEast United’s ultimate glory in the final.
“Derby matches are always special, and this one is no exception. We’ve prepared well, and the players are ready to give it their all. The rivalry is intense but our focus remains on sticking to our game plan and executing it to perfection,” said Lajong coach Birendra Thapa today.
NorthEast United enter the tie with the confidence of a successful title run last year, which included four clean sheets. This season, they began with a 3-1 win over Malaysian Armed Forces and look well-positioned to extend their unbeaten Durand Cup run and reinforce their bid for back-to-back titles. The Highlanders have retained their attacking approach from last year and boast a squad that mixes experienced ISL talent with emerging youth prospects.
“It’s a North East derby, and derbies are always special and challenging. We know Shillong Lajong well, and they know us just as well. For us, it’s another match. It won’t be an easy game, but we’re ready for the challenge,” said NEUFC coach Juan Pedro Benali.
